A vibrant and imaginative new exhibition at The Incubator Gallery is turning heads – and chairs. All About the Chair, which opened with an enthusiastic crowd of 400 on July 18, is a bold community art project that transforms unwanted furniture into powerful works of art.
On display until August 9, the exhibition brings together creativity, healing, and connection.
Spearheaded by Jan Newbold, head of art at the Northern Health School, the exhibition features 27 upcycled and unwanted chairs reimagined by a diverse group of students, staff, and community partners – including Maternal Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (MICAMHS) and Gender Dynamix. The project brought together participants aged 6 to 65, with artistic abilities ranging from beginner to experienced.
While each chair tells a story, a standout piece is “Arragog the Monster”, created by 6-year-old Harry Ward, the exhibition’s youngest participant.
Harry’s second entry, “Beaudi”, inspired by his love of the Blues Rugby franchise, and a recent meeting with star player Beauden Barrett, sparked a playful rivalry when Chiefs’ fan Cherie Anderson created a “‘But Damien’s Better” chair.
Harry Ward with his ‘Beaudi’ and ‘Arragog the Monster’ chairs at the All About the Chair exhibition at The Incubator Gallery. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Harry’s mother, Natasha Ward, said the experience has been transformational.
“Harry’s confidence has bloomed since starting at Northern Health School last year. On Saturday, he was even greeting visitors at the gallery – something he never would have done before. It’s been amazing to see.”
Harry had also donated his artwork to a silent auction to raise funds for Starship Hospital, where he spent the first two years of his life. His gesture had inspired other participants to join the effort, turning the exhibition into a fundraiser as well as an art show.
“The vision was to provide a creative outlet for students, staff, and outside agencies of the NHS to come together and strengthen connections,” said Newbold. “Seeing the collaboration, the stories, and even the friendly rugby banter between participants has been incredible.”
Harry Ward with his ‘Arragog the Monster’ chair. Photo / Brydie Thompson
The exhibition offered participants a chance to learn through hands-on experience, from conceptualisation and planning to completing and presenting their final pieces in a professional gallery setting. Some transformed chairs remained functional; others had been sculpted into imaginative installations.
“We’ve been completely blown away by All About the Chair,” said Simone Anderson, director of The Incubator Creative Hub. “The transformation is remarkable – these chairs have stopped being mere furniture and become imaginative works of art, each imbued with a meaningful story. The level of creativity and community spirit on display is exceptional and had brought smiles to the faces of those visiting the gallery. This is a terrific example of the power of community arts.”
Northern Health School associate principal Robyn Meikle with her pink zebra chair at the All About the Chair exhibition at The Incubator Gallery at Tauranga Historic Village. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Northern Health School associate principal Robyn Meikle said the health school is one of only three in New Zealand, providing specialised education for students in the upper half of the North Island, north of Gisborne and New Plymouth.
“Health schools work with young people with serious health challenges who are unable to get to their school.”
With more than 200 students and 32 staff based at its Tauranga campus – just across from the Historic Village – the school had become a hub for community-based learning since opening early-2020.
All About the Chair is open daily at The Incubator Gallery in the Tauranga Historic Village until August 9. Entry is free, and a silent auction for selected pieces is running throughout the exhibition, with proceeds to support Starship Hospital.